The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted an additional $200 million in funding for the ongoing Rajasthan Secondary Towns Development Sector Project in India. This financing aims to enhance water supply and sanitation systems, as well as support the improvement of urban resilience and heritage preservation.

The project, initially approved in September 2020, has already achieved significant progress, including the installation of 1,451 kilometers of water supply pipes and 1,110 kilometers of sewer pipes, benefiting 68,098 households in selected secondary towns within Rajasthan.

ADB is dedicated to assisting the Indian government in addressing complex urban development challenges by providing high-quality urban infrastructure and services, prioritizing the health and well-being of residents. In addition to water supply and sanitation, the funding will incorporate diverse interventions, innovative solutions, and climate-resilient approaches.

As part of the project, water supply systems in at least seven project towns will be improved by converting groundwater sources to surface water, replacing leaking water pipes, installing new water supply pipelines, and connecting 77,000 households with water meters. Furthermore, three new water treatment plants will be established.

Sanitation systems in at least eight project towns will be upgraded through the rehabilitation of approximately 580 kilometers of sewers, the construction of seven sewage treatment plants with co-treatment units for processing faecal sludge and septage, and the connection of over 50,000 households to the sewage system.

A notable feature of ADB’s support is the development of water facilities to enhance urban resilience and promote heritage-sensitive urban development in at least eight heritage towns with tourism potential. This includes the reconstruction of water parks and structures with heritage value, incorporating nature-based solutions to improve climate resilience. Moreover, the project aims to rehabilitate around 20 heritage or heritage-like structures to enhance the living environment and attract more tourists.

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The project also seeks to encourage private sector investments and financing to enhance water services in Rajasthan’s manufacturing areas. This involves the establishment of designated pipe networks for carrying treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants to industrial facilities.

Through these endeavors, ADB aims to contribute to a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific region, while continuing its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.

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